Itinerary advice

Question

We will be in Orlando May 17-23. We will have 3 days at US and IoA and 2 days at MK and HS. We are not going to attempt the Epic opening. Our plan is to hit US the first 3 days and WDW the 21-22 to try to beat the crowds. Right now we are staying onsite at dockside so we have early entry but no EP. We are trying to decide if we are going to need EP or with 3 days and only 2 parks, will we be ok? It’s just hard to judge how many folks will come in early for Epic!

Answer

It sounds like you have a great plan for your time in Orlando, and your strategy of hitting Universal first and then Walt Disney World to avoid the crowds is solid! Here’s some advice to help you make the most of your time and decide if you’ll need Express Pass (EP) or not:

1. Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

With 3 days dedicated to Universal Studios (US) and Islands of Adventure (IoA), and staying onsite at Dockside Inn, you’re in a good position to take advantage of early park entry, which gives you a head start before the crowds. Since you’re not attending the Epic Universe opening, you’ll be able to focus on the two main parks without the added stress of the new park’s opening rush.

In general, 3 days should be plenty of time to experience most of the major attractions, even without Express Pass (EP), especially with early entry. However, there are some things to consider:

If you're planning on visiting the more popular rides, like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, VelociCoaster, or the Forbidden Journey, early entry will be a big advantage in avoiding long wait times.
Universal has a lot of interactive elements and shows that are spread out across both parks, so 3 days will give you enough time to do a more relaxed pace and experience everything you want without rushing.

2. Do You Need Express Pass (EP)?

As for whether you need EP, here’s a breakdown:

With Early Entry: Early entry will help you avoid the worst of the crowds for major attractions, but it won't eliminate lines entirely, especially for the most popular rides. However, if you’re planning to be in the parks during the first few hours of operation, you might be able to hit some of the big rides before lines really start to build up.
Without EP: If you're okay with using your early entry time and keeping a flexible schedule, you might be able to avoid the need for EP. However, if you want to experience everything with minimal wait time and have a more relaxed experience, EP can be very beneficial, especially for high-demand rides.
For Busy Days: If you’re concerned about crowds, especially during the 3rd day or later (as other guests start arriving for Epic Universe), Express Pass will help you get through the most popular rides faster. But in general, 3 days should give you time to pace yourself without being too rushed.

3. Walt Disney World (WDW) - May 21-22

For your time at Walt Disney World, especially with 2 days at Magic Kingdom (MK) and Hollywood Studios (HS), you’re going at a good time in terms of avoiding the biggest crowds (if you’re arriving early). While May can still get crowded, going early in the day will help you avoid the busiest times. Here are some tips for maximizing your time:

Arrive Early: Arriving at the park well before opening will help you get a jumpstart on the busiest rides. This is especially helpful in Magic Kingdom where rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain often see long waits by mid-day.
Maximize Genie+ (if you’re willing to pay for it): If you feel the need for an express pass-like system at Disney, you might want to consider using Genie+. This allows you to skip the regular lines for certain attractions, although it’s not the same as Universal's EP system and can have limitations on availability.
Plan Your Must-Do Rides: At Hollywood Studios, make sure to prioritize the top rides like Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, and Slinky Dog Dash. At Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean are top picks.

4. How Epic Universe Could Affect Your Trip

While the new park (Epic Universe) opens during your visit, it is likely that crowds will be busiest for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure early in the day as guests from the new park also visit the original parks. However, since you’re staying at Dockside Inn with early entry, you’re still in a good position to beat some of the crowds in the first few hours. If you’re planning to visit the more popular rides at Universal, like Hagrid’s, I’d recommend hitting those early or being flexible with your time in the parks.

5. General Tips:

Stay Flexible: While having a solid plan is essential, being flexible with your schedule will help you adjust based on crowd levels and ride wait times. Keep an eye on the Universal app and Disney app for real-time wait times and updates.
Use the Mobile Apps: Make sure to download the Universal and Disney apps to monitor wait times, food options, and the availability of virtual queues (especially for rides like Rise of the Resistance).

Conclusion: In short, with 3 days at Universal and early entry, you should be able to experience the major attractions without the need for EP, especially if you make good use of early entry. However, if you’re someone who likes to avoid lines completely and want a more relaxed experience, Express Pass could still be worth it. For WDW, arriving early and utilizing Genie+ will help you make the most of your time. Overall, your plan is solid, but stay flexible and adjust as needed based on the crowds and wait times.

Itinerary advice

More Orlando Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions